Attorney-General (Qld) v Guy [2019] QSC 177
SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND
CITATION: Attorney-General (Qld) v Guy [2019] QSC 177
PARTIES: ATTORNEY-GENERAL FOR THE STATE OF
QUEENSLAND
(applicant)
v
EDWIN ARTHUR GUY
(respondent)
FILE NO/S: SC No 11336 of 2016
DIVISION: Trial Division
PROCEEDING: Application
ORIGINATING
COURT:
Supreme Court at Brisbane
DELIVERED ON: 22 July 2019
DELIVERED AT: Brisbane
HEARING DATE: 22 July 2019
JUDGE: Lyons SJA
ORDER: 1. Pursuant to s 30(3)(a) of the Dangerous Prisoners
(Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld), it is ordered that
the respondent continue to be subject to the
continuing detention order made by Holmes CJ on 27
March 2017.
CATCHWORDS: CRIMINAL LAW – SENTENCE – SENTENCING ORDERS
– ORDERS AND DECLARATIONS RELATING TO
SERIOUS OR VIOLENT OFFENDERS OR DANGEROUS
SEXUAL OFFENDERS – DANGEROUS SEXUAL
OFFENDER – GENERALLY – where the respondent has
been subject to a continuing detention order for two years –
where the respondent has high care needs – where respondent
does not oppose application for continuing detention order ––
whether the respondent continues to present a serious danger
to the community and should continue to be subject to the
continuing detention order
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (Qld) s 5,
s 8, s 13, s 27, s 30
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Francis
(2007) 1 Qd R 396, cited
Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Guy [2017]
QSC 105, followed
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Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Guy [2018]
QSC 179, cited
COUNSEL: J Rolls for the applicant
B Heilbronn for the respondent
SOLICITORS: Crown Solicitor for the applicant
Legal Aid Queensland for the respondent
This application
[1] The Attorney-General for the State of Queensland has applied for a review of the
continuing detention of the respondent, Edwin Arthur Guy, pursuant to s 27 of the
Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003 (DPSOA).
[2] The respondent has been subject to a continuing detention order under the Act pursuant
to an order made by the Chief Justice on 27 March 2017,1 and by this application the
Attorney-General seeks an order under s 30 of the Act that the respondent continue to be
subject to a continuing detention order. That Order is not opposed by the respondent.
[3] The continuing detention order was made under s 13, in Division 3 of Part 2 of the
DPSOA. Section 5 of the DPSOA provides that the Attorney-General may make
application for orders against a “prisoner”. By the joint operation of ss 5, 8 and 13 of the
DPSOA, a “prisoner” against whom a s 13 order may be made is one who is serving a
period of imprisonment (whether in actual custody or not) for a “serious sexual offence”.2
The term “serious sexual offence” is pivotal to the scheme of the DPSOA and it is defined
as:
“serious sexual offence means an offence of a sexual nature, whether
committed in Queensland or outside Queensland—
(a) involving violence; or
(b) against children.”
[4] Section 13 of the DPSOA is in the following terms:
“13 Division 3 orders
(1) This section applies if, on the hearing of an application for a division
3 order, the court is satisfied the prisoner is a serious danger to the
community in the absence of a division 3 order (a serious danger to
the community).
(2) A prisoner is a serious danger to the community as mentioned in
subsection (1) if there is an unacceptable risk that the prisoner will
commit a serious sexual offence—
1 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Guy [2017] QSC 105.
2 The interaction of the different definitions of “prisoner” is explained in Attorney-General for the State of
Queensland v Newman [2018] QSC 156 at [10]–[23].
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(a) if the prisoner is released from custody; or
(b) if the prisoner is released from custody without a supervision
order being made.
(3) On hearing the application, the court may decide that it is satisfied
as required under subsection (1) only if it is satisfied—
(a) by acceptable, cogent evidence; and
(b) to a high degree of probability;
that the evidence is of sufficient weight to justify the decision.
(4) In deciding whether a prisoner is a serious danger to the community
as mentioned in subsection (1), the court must have regard to the
following—
(a) the reports prepared by the psychiatrists under section 11 and
the extent to which the prisoner cooperated in the
examinations by the psychiatrists;
(b) any other medical, psychiatric, psychological or other
assessment relating to the prisoner;
(c) information indicating whether or not there is a propensity on
the part of the prisoner to commit serious sexual offences in
the future;
(d) whether or not there is any pattern of offending behaviour on
the part of the prisoner;
(e) efforts by the prisoner to address the cause or causes of the
prisoner’s offending behaviour, including whether the
prisoner participated in rehabilitation programs;
(f) whether or not the prisoner’s participation in rehabilitation
programs has had a positive effect on the prisoner;
(g) the prisoner’s antecedents and criminal history;
(h) the risk that the prisoner will commit another serious sexual
offence if released into the community;
(i) the need to protect members of the community from that risk;
(j) any other relevant matter.
(5) If the court is satisfied as required under subsection (1), the court
may order—
(a) that the prisoner be detained in custody for an indefinite term
for control, care or treatment (continuing detention order); or
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(b) that the prisoner be released from custody subject to the
conditions it considers appropriate that are stated in the order
(supervision order).
(6) In deciding whether to make an order under subsection (5)(a) or (b),
the paramount consideration is to be the need to ensure adequate
protection of the community.
(7) The Attorney-General has the onus of proving that a prisoner is a
serious danger to the community as mentioned in subsection (1).”
[5] Importantly, it is not the risk of the commission of any offence which renders a respondent
a serious danger to the community and which enlivens the discretion to make an order,
but rather the unacceptable risk must be of committing a “serious sexual offence” as
defined.
[6] As the respondent is currently subject to a continuing detention order, s 27 provides for
the intervals at which there must be a review and s 30 sets out the relevant principles
which apply should the Court affirm the decision that the prisoner is a serious danger to
the community in the absence of such an order as follows:
“30 Review hearing
(1) This section applies if, on the hearing of a review under section 27
or 28 and having regard to the matters mentioned in section 13(4),
the court affirms a decision that the prisoner is a serious danger to
the community in the absence of a division 3 order.
(2) On the hearing of the review, the court may affirm the decision only
if it is satisfied—
(a) by acceptable, cogent evidence; and
(b) to a high degree of probability;
that the evidence is of sufficient weight to affirm the decision.
(3) If the court affirms the decision, the court may order that the
prisoner—
(a) continue to be subject to the continuing detention order; or
(b) be released from custody subject to a supervision order.
(4) In deciding whether to make an order under subsection (3)(a) or (b),
the paramount consideration is to be the need to ensure adequate
protection of the community.
(5) If the court does not make the order under subsection (3)(a), the court
must rescind the continuing detention order.”
[7] As Davis J set out in his decision in relation to a review of the respondent’s continuing
detention order in 2018, s 30 in many ways mirrors s 13, and incorporates concepts of
“serious danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3 order” and “adequate
protection of the community”. Section 30 also provides that the continuing detention
order may only be affirmed if it justified by acceptable cogent evidence to a high degree
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of probability. He considered that there are really three questions that the Court must turn
its mind to:3
1. Firstly, the Court must consider whether the respondent is “a serious
danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3 order”;4
2. If the answer to that question is in the affirmative, then
consideration must be given to whether “adequate protection of the
community” can be ensured by release of the respondent on a
supervision order;5
3. If the answer to that question is in the negative, then generally
(subject to any discretion to make no order) a continuing detention
order should be made.6
Should the Court affirm the decision that the respondent is a serious danger to the
community in the absence of a Division 3 order?
[8] The respondent has been examined by two psychiatrists, Dr Michael Beech and Dr Ken
Arthur. Dr Beech’s report is dated 30 June 2019, and Dr Arthur’s report is dated 19 June
2019.
[9] Both psychiatrists saw the respondent at the Townsville Correctional Centre. The
respondent made it very clear to both psychiatrists that he did not want to be interviewed,
and whilst he was aware that it was a report for the court in relation to his continuing
detention, he stated that he did not wish to proceed with the interviews. Accordingly,
both psychiatrists have prepared their reports on the basis of the material provided to
them, and neither were able to explore with the respondent his current circumstances or
plans.
Factual background
[10] The respondent’s history has been set out previously in the decisions of both the Chief
Justice and Justice Davis and is conveniently summarised by Dr Beech in his report as
follows:7
“Edwin Guy is a 66 year old single, widowed man who has been in custody
since 2008. He is intellectually disadvantaged and suffers from
Parkinson’s disease. In 1998 he was convicted of the charges of:
• Rape (17 charges);
• Indecent assault with circumstances of aggravation;
• Maintaining a sexual relationship with a child;
• Indecent dealing with a child (97 charges);
3 Attorney-General for the State of Queensland v Guy [2018] QSC 179 at [10].
4 Section 30(1) and (2).
5 Section 30(3).
6 Section 30(4).
7 Affidavit of Michael Joseph Beech sworn 4 July 2019, Exhibit MJB-2, page 2, ll 69-114.
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• Wilfully expose a child under 12 to an indecent video (2
charges;
• Wilfully expose a child under 16 to an indecent act;
• Unlawful assault;
• Procure a child under 16 to commit an indecent act;
• Indecent assault (2 charges);
• Procure persons to commit an act of gross indecency by
threats;
• Procure a person without their consent to commit an act of
gross indecency.
He was sentenced to ten years in custody with the
recommendation that he receive treatment.
As noted in my 2016 report, 33 of the charges related to his
step-daughter and the remainder to her friend. The offences
started when his step-daughter was nine years and continued
for seven years. They involved multiple accounts of rape and
indecent assault. The girl’s friend was 16 years old at the time
of the indecent assaults.
Mr Guy was released on parole in 2007. He was subject to
ANCOR reporting conditions at the time and breached them by
moving to Caboolture. He resumed contact with his 27 year
old daughter. She has low intelligence and profound cognitive
deficits and suffered from depression and post-traumatic stress
disorder. In 2008, she told police that Mr Guy indecently
touched her and had sex with her on two occasions. This was
five months after his release from parole, but while he was
subject to the ANCOR conditions. When police interviewed Mr
Guy, he said he could not recall the incident, but spoke of a
separate incident that had occurred. He was convicted in 2009
of two counts of incest and two charges of failing to comply
with reporting conditions.
Mr Guy’s antecedent history involved learning problems (he
was enrolled in an opportunity school until he was 16 years
old); juvenile delinquency (break and enter and stealing
offences); childhood epilepsy (seizures ceased when he was 20
years old); and an incident of sexual abuse when he was six
years old. He worked for four years after he left school and
was then placed on an invalid pension for conditions that
included the effects from a congenital brain condition. Over
the years, his relationships and accommodation have been
unstable. He has been generally socially isolated. He formed
a relationship with EJ, an older woman, when he was 27 years
old; she has four children to a previous relationship. He
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separated from her, and formed a relationship with her
daughter, SD. The 1998 offences involved SD’s daughter. Mr
Guy told me in 2016 that he had three children to EJ and five
or six children to SD.”
[11] It would seem that whilst he was in custody between 1998 and 2007, the respondent
completed a medium intensity sexual offender program which indicated that his progress
was hindered due to lack of engagement and the difficulties which were encountered in
relation to assisting with his intervention needs. In 2015, during his current incarceration
he declined to participate in further sexual offender programs. He has otherwise reported
in custody to be stable, polite and well behaved. He is noted to be a happy prisoner.
[12] Dr Beech has also conveniently summarised the past risk assessments which have been
done:8
Date Assessor STATIC – 99R Psychopathy Risk
2016 Beech 4 21 High
2016 Grant 4 17 Moderate
2017 Arthur 3 21 Moderately high
2018 Grant Moderate
2018 Arthur Mod to high
[13] In 2016, Dr Grant noted that the respondent was poorly motivated to have any further
treatment. He noted that he was severely physically disabled and was likely to deteriorate
further because of his Parkinson’s disease. In prison it was noted he had a carer. In his
2018 report, Dr Grant stated that the respondent would not be able to live in independent
accommodation and a nursing home environment was recommended, although that would
be problematic because of his risk of impulsive sexual offending against any female
resident in any institution in which he was placed.
[14] It is noted that the respondent has told doctors that he wants to be detained in prison and
is frightened of the prospect of having to cope in the community. I note that Dr Grant in
his 2018 report considered it was likely that the respondent would re-offend in order to
get back into custody. It has been noted by a number of doctors, and Dr Beech in
particular, that the respondent has no family or friends in the community and has no
reason or motivation to leave prison. It would seem he prefers to remain in custody where
he is known to fellow inmates and is not concerned by the possibility of a continuing
detention order. It is also noted that the respondent does not wish to go to a nursing home
and he considered that if there were elderly women there, he could possibly offend against
them. He stated himself he could not cope outside prison and would not get the care that
he needed in the community.
[15] I note that in his 2018 report, Dr Arthur had noted that the respondent relied heavily on a
carer and that he felt safe and settled in prison. He has refused his Parkinson’s disease
medication since November 2018 as he does not consider it assists him.
Dr Beech’s report
8 Affidavit of Michael Joseph Beech sworn 4 July 2019, Exhibit MJB-2, page 3, ll 140-144.
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[16] As I have already stated, Dr Beech prepared a Report for the purposes of this review. He
considered his background of offending and his history in custody. In terms of his risk,
he stated that his static factors have remained the same and place him in the slightly above
average risk of re-offending in the community if he were to be placed unsupervised in the
community. He stated that the dynamic factors are mixed. On the one hand, his
increasing age, lack of sexual pre-occupation, evidence of institutionalisation and
compliance would usually tend to reduce the risk but Dr Beech stated:9
“I agree with the earlier psychiatrists: Mr Guy is very settled in prison
and a return to custody would not be a deterrent for him. I have not
interviewed for this assessment, but I can accept that Mr Guy might offend
simply to effect a return to custody, particularly if he felt vulnerable,
unsafe or neglected in the community. His statements to Dr Grant and Dr
Arthur in 2018 are worrying. Mr Guy seems to have proffered that he
might offend, even in a nursing home, possibly influence the psychiatrists
in their opinion that he should remain in custody.”
[17] Dr Beech noted that one of the drivers for the respondent’s offending was the use of
sexual offending to meet his emotional and social needs when he felt disadvantaged,
unhappy or resentful. He considered there was a significant risk that he would return to
that emotional state if he were to be released, particularly as that would mean he would
be withdrawing from prison routines where he is settled and would be leaving the prison
establishment where he feels comfortable and would then go into some form of
community supported accommodation which might not be as amenable to him as his
current incarceration. He noted it was difficult to determine whether he would carry out
his implied threat that he would re-offend in order to return to custody.
[18] Dr Beech considered that if the respondent were to re-offend it would be to a vulnerable
person who came within his purview. It might be an elderly woman in a nursing home
or a family member he befriended, or simply a visitor to his accommodation. It is also
notable he considered that the offending might go undetected. He also considered his
offending against his daughter in the past indicates that it could be sudden without
warning and with coercion.
[19] Whilst Dr Beech considered the risk could be managed in the community if a suitable
placement could be found, that would mean accommodation where his physical and his
emotional care needs are met, but where there are no females. He considered that that
would mean he could not be placed in most nursing home settings. Dr Beech considered
that an aged care assessment (ACAT) needs to be undertaken, even though he is in prison,
to see what suitable facilities there might be for him where he can be supervised. In the
absence of a suitable place he considered the risk remains at moderate or above with a
concern that he might offend in order to return quickly to custody. He did not consider
that much had changed since the continuing detention order in 2018 was re-affirmed.
Dr Arthur’s report
[20] Dr Arthur also prepared a Report for the purposes of this hearing and noted the
respondent’s criminal history and his clinical summary. He also noted a history of
reactive psychological symptoms relating to various traumas and losses and considered
9 Affidavit of Michael Joseph Beech sworn 4 July 2019, Exhibit MJB-2, page 6, ll 290-297.
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that he has significant personality vulnerabilities resulting from his history of pathological
attachments, which was evidenced by impaired self-regulation, social isolation,
impulsivity and some non-sexual criminal behaviour. He also noted that he had suffered
from a neurological condition as a child which had required neurosurgery and was
associated with seizures. He noted that this was probably due to hydrocephalus but had
seen no formal documentation to corroborate that. Dr Arthur also noted significant
trauma as a result of domestic violence as a child. He did not consider that the respondent
suffered from paraphilia but has previously shown to be an inconsistent historian by
misreporting details of his relationship and omitting to acknowledge important aspects of
his offending such as the use of physical force and threats of violence.
[21] In his report, Dr Arthur noted that the respondent appeared to be an elderly man of stated
age who ambulated without assistance with no evidence of a stick or walking frame. He
saw no obvious characteristics of Parkinson’s disease and particularly saw no evidence
of Bradykinesia which is a movement which is typical in Parkinson’s disease. He stated
that apart from a slightly abnormal gait, he saw no observable evidence of a worsening in
his Parkinson’s disease. He noted that the respondent maintained his position of not
wanting to leave jail although he was not able to clarify that with the respondent
personally.
[22] Dr Arthur reviewed his history in custody. He noted that he had declined to take place in
any programs and that he had also refused to take all medications since November 2018.
He has also refused to have blood tests.
[23] Overall, Dr Arthur stated:10
“As previously noted, it appears that prisoner Guy maintains a
passive/avoidance stance regarding his future and shows little desire to
make plans outside of custody. He has previously denied any aspirational
goals apart from remaining in jail until he dies.
I have previously opined that he is highly institutionalised and displays
dependent and entitled attitudes. The fact that he continues to voluntarily
refuse his anti-Parkinsonian medications or attend medical clinics shows
a willingness to maintain the sick role. It is not clear to me from the
documentation whether his refusal of medication is episodic or consistent.
I have previously noted that prisoner Guy is openly resisting any release
from jail, suggesting incarceration would not be a deterrent for further
offending. I am unaware of any new risk mitigation strategies. It is not
inconceivable that if he has difficulty coping in the community he may re-
offend as a way of returning to jail.
Because of his dependent/avoidant coping strategies and high degree of
institutionalisation, he would require a significant degree of interpersonal
support should he be released into the community. Even if he has the
capacity (as I suspect) to live in a semi-supported environment, he is likely
to resist such arrangements.
It is possible that prisoner Guy’s dependence he needs could be met if he
were placed in a nursing home that provided him with the same level of
10 Affidavit of Kenneth Arthur sworn 28 June 2019, Exhibit KA-2 at [37]-[41].
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interpersonal support he is currently enjoying. This would include the
provision of all meals, management of finances, full nursing care, on-site
medical care and the provision of mobility aids if required. However,
even in such an environment, there would still be some risk of sexual
recidivism.”
[24] Dr Arthur also noted the respondent had not developed any further insight into his reason
for sexual offences and it was noted to be impulsive. He mainly relies on avoidance of
woman as a risk mitigation strategy. Dr Arthur noted that even if he were placed in a
male only nursing facility it would be expected other residents would receive visits from
family which would include women of all ages and children. Dr Arthur noted however,
that despite his advancing age and increased physical fragility, he still had the capacity to
sexually re-offend. He considered he had sufficient mobility to pursue victims and
overpower a child or a physically frail woman.
[25] Dr Arthur noted:11
“He has shown to be impulsive, displays poor insight, impaired effect
regulation and continues to avoid responsibilities for his offences. He has
previously displayed a lack of sexual boundaries and may be potentially
driven by issues of power and control in addition to sexual gratification.
There is no evidence that these issues have been modified in recent years; he
has not engaged in any treatment and does not appear motivated to do so.”
[26] As previously noted, the reports of the psychiatrists have been prepared without an
interview with the respondent, as he has failed to cooperate with either of the
psychiatrists. However, having considered both of those reports, it is clear that both
psychiatrists consider that the respondent remains a serious danger to the community in
the absence of a Division 3 order.
[27] Accordingly, I am satisfied that the decision made on 27 March 2017 that the respondent
is a serious danger to the community in the absence of a Division 3 order should be
affirmed.
[28] In reaching this decision, I have considered the matters identified in s 13(4) of the Act. I
have reached this view based on the evidence presented at the review hearing. The
relevant risk is the risk of the commission of a serious sexual offence, that is, an offence
of a sexual nature involving violence or against children. That risk means the possibility,
chance or likelihood of the commission of such an offence. Having considered the
material in this case, it is clear that there is a possibility that should the respondent be
released without a Division 3 order, there is an unacceptable risk of the commission of an
offence of a sexual nature involving violence, or against children, given the nature of his
offending in the past. In considering whether a risk is unacceptable, it is necessary to
consider the degree of likelihood of such a risk eventuating and the seriousness of the risk
should it eventuate.
[29] In the circumstances of this case, given the reports of the psychiatrists, it is seriously
concerning that should the respondent be released, he would commit a further offence of
a sexual nature just so he could be incarcerated.
11 Affidavit of Kenneth Arthur sworn 28 June 2019, Exhibit KA-2 at [44].
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What orders should be made?
[30] Once a court affirms a decision that the prisoner is a serious danger to the community in
the absence of a Division 3 order, then the discretion conferred by s 30(3) of the Act is to
be considered. The onus lies on the applicant to satisfy the court that a continuing
detention order should be made and in determining whether such an order should be made,
the paramount consideration is the need to ensure the adequate protection of the
community. Whilst the decision of the Attorney-General v Francis12 made it clear that
there ought be a preference for a supervision order over a continuing detention order, the
court has to consider whether the adequate protection of the community can be reasonably
and practically managed by a supervision order and that the requirements under s 16 can
be practicably and reasonably managed by Corrective Services. I note that the court is
not required to be satisfied that the order will provide an absolute guarantee of protection
but the court must be satisfied that such an order is sufficient to provide adequate
protection to the community.
[31] Drs Beech and Arthur both consider that there could be a possibility that the respondent
might be able to be managed in the community should suitable accommodation be found.
I also note the importance of having an aged care assessment done in order to ascertain
the level of care that the respondent might need.
[32] The affidavit of Jolene Monson sworn 11 July 2019 sets out information in relation to
enquiries that have been made regarding accommodation and aged care assessment for
the purposes of the final hearing of this application by the Attorney-General. Ms Monson
stated that the respondent has not put forward any address to be assessed for
accommodation suitability and whilst the Queensland Corrective Services Department
provides contingency accommodation at Wacol, Rockhampton and Townsville for
offenders who are released under supervision orders, that accommodation is available
only to offenders who have no suitable alternative accommodation at the time of release
and is subject to availability. Furthermore that accommodation is usually only provided
for an initial three month period and is subject to review.
[33] Ms Monson stated that the contingency accommodation is not a supported
accommodation facility and therefore does not provide support and care services of the
kind required by the respondent. Accordingly she states that the contingency
accommodation provided by QCS is not suitable for the respondent. Ms Monson also
states that the High Risk Offender Management Unit (HROMU) regularly makes contact
with various providers of supported accommodation services in Queensland. In this
regard, Ms Monson states as follows:13
“Dr Arthur described the respondent as requiring nursing home type
accommodation that is all male, with sufficient security to ensure the
respondent does not leave the boundaries of the unit unsupervised, and that
the respondent should not have unsupervised leave in the community.
Pursuant to ongoing enquiries made by HROMU, QCS are not presently
aware of any community facilities in Queensland that may meet risk
management concerns relating to the respondent, as identified by the risk
assessing psychiatrists.
12 (2007) 1 Qd R 396.
13 Affidavit of Jolene Monson sworn 11 July 2019, at [11]-[13].
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The HROMU is aware that, having reached the age of 65 years, the
respondent can now be assessed for eligibility for aged care support via an
Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) assessment. As at the time of swearing
this affidavit, the HROMU has been informed by Offender Health Services
that an ACAT assessment has yet to be progressed. The HROMU will
continue to liaise with Offender Health Services to progress an ACAT
assessment of the respondent.”
[34] Ms Monson noted that Dr Arthur described the respondent as requiring nursing home
accommodation that is all male with sufficient security to ensure that he does not leave
the boundary of the unit unsupervised and that he does not have unsupervised leave in the
community. Ms Monson stated that having made enquiries, they are not aware of any
community facilities in Queensland that could meet the risk management concerns
relating to the respondent as identified by the psychiatrists. Ms Monson stated at the time
of swearing the affidavit, an ACAT assessment has yet to be progressed but they will
continue to liaise with health services to progress such an assessment.
[35] In relation to the question as to whether Queensland Corrective Services could reasonably
and practicably administer a supervision regime for the respondent to afford adequate
protection of the community, Ms Monson stated that the evidence indicates the
respondent needs supported accommodation in a facility which has no access to women
or children whether staff, visitors or residents. It is also clear that the respondent does
not meet the medical needs for a locked ward as is required for persons with dementia,
which means that the respondent is not restricted in his movement around the facility any
more so than other residents. Ms Monson stated that where a facility has a male only
ward it is otherwise a mixed gender facility and it would not be reasonably or practically
possible for QCS to monitor a controlled contact between the respondent and any women
or child visitors, staff or residents of the facility where the respondent’s movements are
not restricted.
[36] Ms Monson noted that constant supervision of the respondent by QCS officers or by
accommodation staff to ensure he does not sexually offend when in contact with women
and children cannot be practically achieved in supported accommodation. She also noted
that whilst GPS tracking could be applied and would provide an overview of his
movements and patterns it would not provide QCS with any knowledge of the persons
with whom the respondent interacts or the nature of his interactions. Significantly, GPS
monitoring and review is not able to detect victim access or the respondent’s offending.
Should the respondent be subject to a continuing detention order?
[37] It is clear that the onus rests on the applicant to establish that a continuing detention order
is the appropriate order. For such an order to be made the applicant must demonstrate
that the community will not be adequately protected by a supervision order. In this regard,
I have already set out the relevant factual matters which were addressed in the affidavit
of Ms Monson. I also note the submission by the applicant that it should be noted that
when he was released on parole in 2007 the respondent was subject to reporting
conditions pursuant to the Child Protection Act and he breached those conditions. I also
note that he has previously disregarded conditions imposed on him to protect the
community.
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[38] Both psychiatrists indicate the respondent needs semi-supported accommodation but with
the restrictions which would essentially be the restrictions that pertain to him in custody.
He would need to be excluded from all females and children and could not leave the
facility unsupervised. And no such supported accommodation outside custody has been
identified.
[39] Accordingly, the applicant has established that a continuing detention order should be
made.
[40] The order of the court is that:
1. Pursuant to s 30(3)(a) of the Dangerous Prisoners (Sexual Offenders) Act 2003
(Qld), it is ordered that the respondent continue to be subject to the continuing
detention order made by Holmes CJ on 27 March 2017.
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Official source: https://www.sclqld.org.au/caselaw/QSC/2019/177